World champion Kalle Rovanpera demonstrated his rallying prowess by dominating the Estonia Rally on Friday, excelling in the stages where local driver Ott Tanak faced setbacks.
The Finnish driver, representing Toyota, surged ahead and secured the lead by winning the penultimate stage of the day. As the championship leader, Rovanpera ended the day with a 3-second advantage over Belgian Thierry Neuville, who drove a Hyundai.
Esapekka Lappi, another Finnish driver representing Hyundai, trailed by 12.2 seconds, while Welshman Elfyn Evans of Toyota, who was the overnight leader, held the fourth position, 14.1 seconds off the lead.
Reflecting on his performance, Rovanpera stated, “Not such a bad day overall,” expressing satisfaction with his performance at the finish.
Local hero Ott Tanak faced challenges from the outset as his Ford encountered engine trouble just before the first stage, resulting in a five-minute penalty. Despite winning five out of the day’s seven stages, Tanak found himself in the 11th overall position, trailing Rovanpera by 4 minutes and 47 seconds.
Tanak, however, remained resilient, acknowledging that it was challenging to compete when not vying for the rally’s top spot. Despite his initial mood, the Estonian driver gradually adapted to the situation and drew motivation from the massive support of his fans. “The support is massive, and that’s why we keep pushing,” Tanak remarked.
As rain fell during the rally, the narrow tree-lined course around Tartu became less dusty but developed ruts, presenting additional challenges for the drivers.
Kalle Rovanpera’s commanding lead showcased his driving skills and determination, making him a strong contender in the Estonia Rally. The competition continues, and spectators eagerly await the thrilling battles and captivating performances from the world’s best rally drivers in this exhilarating event.
